FAQ's

We've compiled a collection of frequently asked questions to help you as you navigate our site and explore our treasures.  We want you to feel comfortable with your purchase and 100% satisfied, so please be certain to reach out to us should you have any questions we haven't already covered here.  We're happy to help!  

Are your fossils real?  

Absolutely!  Our fossils and rocks are genuine, authentic specimens.  We guarantee the authenticity of our specimens.  We work very hard to source the finest quality specimens from across the globe and have the knowledge and expertise to verify their authenticity.  Please keep in mind that while all of our fossils are authentic, some may have been repaired.  The process of extracting a fossil from the earth can be quite abrasive, invariably damaging the more delicate pieces.  These pieces may have undergone some repair work to keep them intact, but this does not diminish their authenticity.   

Where do you get your treasures from?

We acquire our specimens from trusted partners who either import the items or personally find them.  We work diligently to find the finest purveyors, ensuring that we can offer you the highest quality specimens at a low cost.  We enjoy building strong relationships with our partners and providing them with repeat business.  In an industry where there are plenty of replicas and fakes, it is important to find and keep an exceptional source!  

Why are your prices lower than your competitors? 

It's simple.  We work to get the best price possible and pass the savings on to you.  As the parents of a 10-year-old child, we believe in pricing our treasures at an affordable price leaving families room in their budget to begin or add to a collection.  
As collectors' pieces, these treasures continue to increase in value over time.  With our pieces, you are starting off with a bit of investment equity, and that's always a good thing.   
 

How does your inventory work? Will this item be available in the future? 

Great question!  Our inventory both in terms of quantity available and type of items on hand constantly changes.  Since many of our items are imported from overseas, they are only shipped to the US a few times annually.  And our suppliers are often only reachable a few times each year at trade shows.  Our inventory is highest after we visit a trade show because that's when we "stock up."  That same type of item, once sold out, might not be available again for 6 to 9 months.  

Keep in mind with our fossil collections, they aren't being "made" anymore!  We do not know when the supply will run out but suffice it to say, it will at some point.  Once a repository is fully mined, that fossil or mineral may no longer be available from that locale. 
 
There is an inherent scarcity when it comes to fossils and minerals.  Keep that in mind.  What you are buying today may not be available tomorrow.  That is part of what makes fossil and mineral collecting such a great hobby - you are curating a collection of scarce, prehistoric treasures.  It will continue to increase in value and worth.  Enjoy creating your collection!  

 

How did you get into this business?  Are you guys geologists or something? 

Nope!  We're just the parents of a super-cool kid!  He developed a passion for rock and fossil collecting which led us to spend our family vacations rockhounding in the mountains of North Carolina or cruising the shores for fossils.  When we're not working our full-time jobs, you'll find us embarking on a treasure hunt (or running our weekend-warrior business, Treasure Quest Mining).  

 

We developed this business to bring the treasure hunting experience to families in central North Carolina.  Visit our sister website to learn more about our company.  We enjoy learning about gems, minerals and fossils as we go and are continuously amazed.  We work hard to research our treasures and share as much information about them with you as possible.  However, we're not experts so we may get it wrong a time or two, but we'll at least get your in the right ballpark with the species identification and age!  

Do you offer gift wrapping?

In order to keep our costs low and pass the savings onto you, we have skipped the frills of fancy packaging and do not offer gift wrapping. And besides, we are terrible at wrapping packages, so it would look dreadful if we did it! 

 

Your Treasures will likely arrive in re-used and re-purposed packaging materials to help reduce waste. And for those of you that receive bubble packaging - we hope you enjoy a throwback to your childhood and pop-away!

When can I expect to receive my order?

We ship out orders typically within 1 business day. Packages arrive within a few short days via USPS first class mail.  From time to time, we may be able to achieve a greater cost savings with a different carrier so your item may arrive via UPS or FedEx.  

Should you need an order expedited, please contact us and let us know your timeline. We can provide guidance as to whether it is achievable.

What if the item arrives damaged?

We take great care to package your order with great care.  Should the item have sustained damage during transit, please notify us within 14 days so we can begin working to resolve the issue.

All of our treasures are authentic and can be broken if not handled properly. You may find inclusions, small chips, fissures or cracks, or any variety of dings on the materials. They are delicate, real specimens and may show their age.  We encourage you to handle them with care as they can be broken. 

What is your return policy? 

Our return and exchange policy lasts 30 days. In order to return or exchange your item, you must contact us within 30 days of the date of purchase.  If 30 days or more elapses since the date of purchase, we will not be able to offer you a refund, exchange or store credit. Once you contact us, we will review return options with you and provide you with a shipping address.  You are responsible for shipping costs associated with returning the item to our store.